That Balls Outta Here
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Phillies-Pirates: Five things to watch for this weekend

By George Stockburger

Sep 12, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Jeremy Hellickson (58) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Jeremy Hellickson (58) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 14, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Maikel Franco (7) doubles against the Washington Nationals in the ninth inning at Nationals Park. The Phillies won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
May 14, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Maikel Franco (7) doubles against the Washington Nationals in the ninth inning at Nationals Park. The Phillies won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Is it hittin’ season yet?

Every calendar year is broken up into five parts: winter, spring, fall, summer, and hittin’ season. Charlie Manuel famously coined the term to describe the time of year when the weather warmed up and the ball flew further through the air.

Unfortunately, the baseball version of Punxatawney Phil brought an extra six weeks until hittin’ season, and the Phillies bats have suffered for it.

Half of the Phillies eight position players are hitting under .250 this season, and even Cesar Hernandez’ bat has been frostbitten.

But with the weather in Pittsburgh this weekend expected to touch the 80’s, the tides are turning towards hittin’ season.

This is where players such as Maikel Franco and Cameron Rupp need to find their swing sooner rather than later and prove they are part of the solution to the Phillies horrid start. Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh this weekend and Colorado the next will be the largest tests of this team’s character and perseverance yet. It’s time to turn the calendar and prepare for hittin’ season.

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